US11771265B2 - Vacuum food processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a valve positioned within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of air provided to the vacuum mechanism via said fluid flow path.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/816,004, filed Mar. 8, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender, and more particularly to a container of a blender configured to receive one or more food items therein.

Blenders are commonly used to process a plurality of different food products, including liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels and the like. It is well-known that blenders are useful devices for blending, cutting, and dicing food products in a wide variety of commercial settings, including home kitchen use, professional restaurant or food services use, and large-scale industrial use. They offer a convenient alternative to chopping or dicing by hand, and often come with a range of operational settings and modes adapted to provide specific types or amounts of food processing, e.g., as catered to particular food products.

Several benefits can be achieved by forming a vacuum within a blender container or attachment either prior to or after a blending operation. For example, by forming a vacuum prior to a blending operation, the overall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredients being processes may be reduced. Accordingly, a blender container or attachment may include a seal that is movable to selectively form a vacuum within the blender container. However, when the blender container is used in high vibration environments, such as in a vehicle or when the container is being carried in a bag for example, it is possible that liquid or other ingredients from the interior of the blender container may leak through the seal.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a valve positioned within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of air provided to the vacuum mechanism via said fluid flow path.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is movable between a first position and a second position in response to a volume of contents of said hollow interior.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is a float valve, said float valve being buoyant relative to said volume of contents of said hollow interior.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said valve is in said second position, an inlet to said fluid flow path is sealed.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said an inlet is offset from a bottom surface of said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve includes a mating surface and said inlet of said conduit includes a sealing ring, said mating surface and said sealing ring being engaged to seal said conduit when said valve is in said second position.

According to another embodiment, a food processing system includes a vacuum mechanism, an attachment configured for removable association with vacuum mechanism, and a reservoir assembly arranged upstream from said vacuum mechanism relative to a fluid flow provided to said vacuum mechanism from said attachment. The reservoir assembly is positioned relative to said vacuum mechanism and said attachment to collect particulate from said attachment during operation of said vacuum mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said food processing system further comprises a food processor base and said reservoir assembly is associated with said food processor base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly is removably connectable to said food processor base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly is disposed at an upper surface of said food processor base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said attachment further comprises a vacuum passage, and said vacuum passage is fluidly connected to said reservoir assembly when said attachment is associated with said food processor base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said reservoir assembly further comprises: a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet for providing fluid to said hollow interior, an outlet fluidly coupled to said vacuum mechanism, and a valve arranged within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of fluid provided to said vacuum mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is translatable between a first position and a second position in response to a volume of particulate within said hollow interior.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is a float valve, said float valve being buoyant relative to said volume of particulate within said hollow interior.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said valve is in said second position when said volume of particulate within said hollow interior exceeds a maximum threshold.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said valve is in said second position, said outlet fluidly coupled to said vacuum mechanism is sealed.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments operation of said vacuum mechanism is automatically stopped when a fluid flow from said outlet to said vacuum mechanism falls below a minimum threshold.

According to another embodiment, a reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a plurality of electrical contactors positioned within said hollow interior. The plurality of electrical contactors is operable to detect when a volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds an allowable threshold.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior is less than said allowable threshold, said plurality of electrical contactors are not electrically connected.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said liquid electrically connects said plurality of electrical contactors.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said vacuum mechanism is inactive.

According to another embodiment, a reservoir assembly connectable to an attachment of a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior arrangeable in fluid communication with the vacuum mechanism and an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, said inlet pipe being movable relative to said housing to form a seal with the attachment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is translatable relative to said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is pivotable relative to said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said inlet pipe is movable between a first position and a second position, and in said first position an end of said inlet pipe extends beyond an upper surface of said housing and in said second position, said end of said inlet pipe is arranged flush with or vertically below said upper surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising a movement mechanism operably coupled to said inlet pipe, said movement mechanism including a body and a biasing mechanism operably coupled to said body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body includes a protrusion that extends beyond an upper surface of said housing, said protrusion including at least one angled surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body and said inlet pipe are movable in response to application of a force to said at least one angled surface.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said force is generated as the attachment is moved laterally relative to said housing of the reservoir assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said movement mechanism further comprises a lever operably coupled to said body, said biasing mechanism being directly connected to said lever.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body includes a first plurality of teeth and said lever includes a second plurality of teeth arranged in meshing engagement with said first plurality of teeth.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said body and said inlet pipe are movable in response to application of a force to said lever.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said force is generated as the attachment is moved laterally relative to said housing of the reservoir assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG.1 is a perspective view of an example of a food processing system;

FIG.2 is a perspective view of a base of a food processing system;

FIG.3 is a perspective view of a food processing system having a first attachment;

FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view of a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG.5 is a perspective view of an attachment suitable for use with the food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG.5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the attachment ofFIG.5 according to an embodiment;

FIG.6 is a perspective view of portion of an attachment suitable for use with the food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG.7 is a perspective view of a food processing base according to an embodiment;

FIG.8 is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly of a food processing base according to an embodiment;

FIG.9 is another perspective view of a reservoir assembly having a valve in a first position according to an embodiment;

FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly having a valve in a first position according to an embodiment;

FIG.11 is another perspective view of a reservoir assembly having a valve in a second position according to an embodiment;

FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly having a valve in a second position according to an embodiment;

FIG.13 is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG.14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reservoir assembly ofFIG.13 according to an embodiment;

FIG.15 is a plan view of the reservoir assembly ofFIG.14 according to an embodiment;

FIG.16 is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG.17 is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG.18 is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment; and

FIG.19 is a cross-sectional view of a movement mechanism of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS.1 and2, an example of a multi-functionalfood processing system20 is illustrated. In general, thefood processing system20 can be adapted to perform any food processing or blending operation including as non-limiting examples, dicing, chopping, cutting, slicing, mixing, blending, stirring, crushing, or the like. Although thefood processing system20 illustrated and described herein is a personal blender system, other food processing systems are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Thefood processing system20 includes a base22 having a body orhousing24 within which a motorized unit (not shown) and at least one controller (not shown) are located. Thebase22 includes at least one rotary component, such as a drive coupler26 (seeFIG.2) for example, driven by the motorized unit located within thehousing24. The base22 additionally includes a control panel oruser interface28 having one ormore inputs29 for turning the motorized unit on and off and for selecting various modes of operation, such as pulsing, blending, or continuous food processing. The at least onedrive coupler26 is configured to engage a portion of anattachment30 coupled to thebase22 for the processing of food products located within an interior of theattachment30. This will become more apparent in subsequent FIGS. and discussion.

One ormore attachments30 varying in size and/or functionality may be configured for use with thebase22. An example of an attachment is illustrated in more detail inFIG.3. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, theattachment30 is an inverted jar orcontainer32 having arotatable blade assembly34 coupled thereto. As shown, thecontainer32 typically includes a firstopen end36, a secondclosed end38, and one or more sidewalls40 extending between thefirst end36 and thesecond end38. Thesidewalls40 in combination with one or more of theends36,38 of thecontainer32 define a hollowinterior processing chamber42 of thecontainer32. In embodiments where theattachment30 is a personal blending container that has a first configuration when separated from thebase22 and a second inverted configuration when coupled to thebase22, arotatable blade assembly34 is configured to removably couple to the firstopen end36 of thecontainer32 to seal theprocessing chamber42. Thecontainer32 andblade assembly34 may be threadably coupled together; however, it should be understood that other mechanisms for removably connecting thecontainer32 and theblade assembly34 are also contemplated herein.

Therotatable blade assembly34 is receivable within or about thebase22 of thefood processing system20. A driven coupler35 (seeFIG.4) associated with the at least oneblade44 is positioned adjacent an external surface of therotatable drive assembly34, outside of theprocessing chamber42. The at least onedrive coupler26 is configured to engage the driven coupler to rotate the at least oneblade44 about an axis X to process the food products located within theprocessing chamber42 of theattachment30. It should be understood that theattachment30 including aninverted container32 and arotatable blade assembly34 is intended as an example only, and that other attachments, are also contemplated herein.

In embodiments where theattachment30 includes aninverted container32, theattachment30 may include one ormore contact members46, such as tabs for example, positioned about the periphery of theattachment30. Although fourcontact members46 are generally illustrated in the FIGS., any number ofcontact members46 is within the scope of the disclosure. In embodiments where theattachment30 includes aninverted container32 and ablade assembly34, thecontact members46 may extend outwardly from thecontainer32, theblade assembly34, or both.

Thecontact members46 of theattachment30 are configured to cooperate with a mountingarea48 of the base22 to couple theattachment30 to thebase22. As shown, the mountingarea48 includes one ormore receiving slots50 within which each of the plurality ofcontact members46 of theattachment30 is receivable. Theattachment30 may be configured to slidably connect to thebase22 of thefood processing system20. Alternatively or in addition, theattachment30 may be configured to rotatably connect to the base22 such that theattachment30 is locked relative to thebase22. However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for coupling the attachment to thebase22 is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now toFIG.4, in an embodiment, thefood processing system20 is operable to perform a vacuum operation. Accordingly, thebase22 of thefood processing system20 may additionally include avacuum system52 having amechanism54 capable of drawing a vacuum, such as a vacuum pump for example. However, any mechanism capable of drawing a vacuum is contemplated herein. At least oneattachment30 configured for use with thebase22 is operably coupled to thevacuum mechanism54 when theattachment30 is connected with thebase22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thevacuum mechanism54 is arranged at aside56 of thebase22, such as at the rear thereof, to allow one ormore attachments30 having varying configurations to easily couple to thevacuum mechanism54. Thevacuum mechanism54 may be operably coupled to a controller, illustrated schematically at C, such that thevacuum mechanism54 is operated by the controller C in response to actuation of one ormore inputs29 of theuser interface28.

In an embodiment, thecontainer32 is a vacuum container suitable for performing a vacuum operation of thefood processing system20. In such embodiments, best shown inFIGS.5 and6, thecontainer32 includes aninterior wall60 disposed at a position located between thefirst end36 and thesecond end38 of thecontainer32. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, theinterior wall60 is offset from thesecond end38 of thecontainer32 and seals an end of theprocessing chamber42. Acover62 is vertically offset from theinterior wall60, at a position between theinterior wall60 and thesecond end38 of thecontainer32. Thecover62 may be permanently affixed to thecontainer32, or alternatively, may be able to move, for example pivot, relative to theinterior wall60 between a closed position and an open position. In an embodiment, thecover62 extends from aprotrusion64 located at a central portion of theinterior wall60 to aninterior surface66 of thesidewall40. A gasket or seal68 may be mounted to thecover62 and configured to contact theinterior surface66 of thesidewall40 and theinterior wall60 to form an air-tight seal there between. Together theinterior wall60,adjacent sidewall40, and cover62 cooperate to define avacuum chamber70 sealed from the ambient atmosphere and separate from theprocessing chamber42.

Thecontainer32 additionally includes a vacuum passage orconduit72 configured to fluidly connect thevacuum mechanism54 and thevacuum chamber70 when theattachment30 is coupled to thebase22. Thevacuum passage72 may have a generally linear configuration as shown inFIG.5, or alternatively, may have one or more bends or angles formed therein. Because thevacuum mechanism54 is located at aside56 of thebase22, afirst end74 of thevacuum passage72 configured to abut with a surface of the base22 to fluidly couple to thevacuum mechanism54 is similarly located adjacent a corresponding side of thecontainer32. In an embodiment, a portion of thevacuum system52 is arranged adjacent anupper surface58 of thebase22. As a result, thefirst end74 of thevacuum passage72 may be vertically offset from thefirst end36 of thecontainer32. However, embodiments where thefirst end74 of thevacuum passage72 is aligned with thefirst end36 of thecontainer32 are also considered herein.

Thevacuum attachment30 includes avacuum sealing assembly80 located within thevacuum chamber70, at an interface between theprocessing chamber42 and thevacuum chamber70. As best shown inFIG.6, an example of avacuum sealing assembly80 is illustrated in more detail. More specifically, thevacuum sealing assembly80 may be formed in theinterior wall60 that separates theprocessing chamber42 from thevacuum chamber70. By arranging thevacuum sealing assembly80 at this position, thevacuum sealing assembly80 is easily accessible by a user when theattachment30 is coupled to thebase22 of thefood processing system20. However, in other embodiments, thevacuum sealing assembly80 may be located at another location about theattachment30.

Thevacuum sealing assembly80 includes anumbrella valve82 having avalve stem84 extending through aprimary opening86 formed in theinterior wall60, and aflange88 extending generally perpendicular to thevalve stem84. As shown, one or more dimensions of thedistal end90 of thevalve stem84 are greater than theprimary opening86 to restrict movement of theumbrella valve82 relative to thecontainer32. Via the engagement between thevalve stem84 and theprimary opening86, a flow of fluid or food particles from theinterior processing chamber42 of thecontainer32 through theprimary opening86 is restricted. Theflange88 of theumbrella valve82 is sized such that a portion of theflange88, such as near the periphery of theflange88 for example, is in overlapping arrangement with the at least onesecondary opening92 formed in theinterior wall60. Accordingly, under normal conditions, theflange88 seals the at least onesecondary opening92 to prevent a flow of fluid and/or food particles there through.

During a vacuum operation, when either attachment is mounted to thebase22 and thevacuum passage72 is operably coupled to thevacuum system52, thevacuum mechanism54 generates a negative pressure which is applied to the exposed surface of theumbrella valve82. The negative pressure generated will cause the peripheral portion of theflange88 to separate from thesecondary opening92 just enough to allow air within theprocessing chamber42 to be drawn there through. As soon as operation of thevacuum mechanism54 ceases and the negative pressure is removed, the peripheral portion of theflange88 will bias back into its original position to seal thesecondary opening92. This bias may be the result of the resilient material, such as silicone for example, from which theumbrella valve82 is formed. Alternatively, a biasing mechanism may be used to facilitate movement of theflange88 back into a sealing position. A vacuum operation may be performed after food has been disposed within theprocessing chamber42 but prior to performing a food processing operation. In another embodiment, a vacuum operation is initiated to draw a vacuum within theprocessing chamber42 after performance of a food processing operation has been performed. Forming a vacuum after a blending operation may be used to increase the shelf life or storage of the food products within theattachment30.

Thevacuum attachment30 additionally includes arelease mechanism94 operable to vent theprocessing chamber42 of thecontainer32 to ambient, thereby breaking the vacuum formed therein. Therelease mechanism94 is similarly mounted at a location of theattachment30 that is easily accessible by a user. As shown, therelease mechanism94 is located remotely from and is not connected to thevacuum sealing assembly80. However, it should be understood that embodiments where therelease mechanism94 is directly or indirectly coupled to thevacuum sealing assembly80 are also within the scope of the disclosure. With respect to the inverted vacuum jar, therelease mechanism94 is mounted at the exposedsecond end38 of thecontainer32.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, therelease mechanism94 includes aconnector96 having a sealingmember98. The release mechanism49 additionally includes anactuator100 pivotally coupled to theconnector96 via apin102 defining a pivot axis of theactuator100. In an embodiment, acamming lever104 extends from theconnector96 toward theactuator100. When therelease mechanism94 is in an unactuated state, the sealingmember98 is engaged with anadjacent opening106 fluidly connected to theprocessing chamber42. A biasingmember108, such as a coil spring for example, may be coupled to theconnector96 to bias the sealingmember98 into engagement with theopening106 to form an air tight and liquid tight seal. To actuate therelease mechanism94, theactuator100 is pivoted about the axis ofpin102. This movement overcomes the bias of the biasingmember108 and also applies a force to thecamming lever104 of theconnector96, thereby causing theconnector96 and sealingmember98 to move vertically, and out of engagement with theopening106. Upon removal of the force from theactuator100, the biasingmember108 will bias therelease mechanism94 back into its original position, thereby sealing theopening106.

After a vacuum has been generated within theprocessing chamber42 of thecontainer32, it is difficult, if not impossible to remove theblade assembly34 and access the food product within theprocessing chamber42 as a result of the forces acting thereon. Accordingly, a user should first break the vacuum within thecontainer32 by operating therelease mechanism94 prior to accessing the contents within theprocessing chamber42 of thecontainer32.

Acontainer32 having avacuum sealing assembly80 as illustrated and described herein when used in conjunction with avacuum mechanism54 prior to a food processing operation may provide a food product having increased vitamin retention, specifically vitamin C. Exposure to oxygen within during the blending process may cause the ingredients within thecontainer32 to degrade. By removing the oxygen from thecontainer32, the overall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredients being processes is reduced. Thevacuum attachment30 illustrated and described herein is intended as an example only, and it should be understood than any vacuum attachment suitable for use with thebase22 is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now toFIG.7, thevacuum system52 of thebase22 is illustrated in more detail. As previously described, thevacuum system52 includes avacuum mechanism54 operable to generate a negative pressure to draw air out of theprocessing chamber42 of anattachment30 connected to thebase22. Thevacuum system52 additionally includes areservoir assembly110 disposed between thevacuum mechanism54 and thevacuum passage72 of thecontainer32. In an embodiment, thereservoir assembly110 is removably mounted at anupper surface58 of thebase22. Accordingly, when anattachment30 is installed onto thebase22, thefirst end74 of thevacuum passage72 is connected directly to thereservoir assembly110.

Referring now toFIGS.8-12, an example of thereservoir assembly110 is illustrated in more detail. As shown, thereservoir assembly110 includes ahousing112 having a generallyhollow interior114. Aninlet pipe116, for example arranged at the center of thehousing112, provides a fluid inlet into thehollow interior114 of thehousing112. Thehollow interior114 of thehousing112 defines a reservoir in which a fluid other than air may collect. Afirst end118 of theinlet pipe116 is extending beyond theupper surface120 of thehousing112 is configured to connect to thevacuum passage72 of thecontainer32, and the second,opposite end122 of theinlet pipe116 is offset from alower surface124 of thehousing112.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment ofFIGS.8-12, avalve130, such as a float valve for example, is located within thehollow interior114 of thehousing112. Thevalve130 is movable between a first position (seeFIG.8), and a second position (seeFIG.11). In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thevalve130 is configured to translate vertically along an axis from a first position, generally near thelower surface124 of thehousing112 for example, to a position near an upper surface126 of thehollow interior114. However, embodiments where thevalve130 is configured to move in another direction, such as horizontally or diagonally for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, thevalve130 is sized such that undesired movement of thefloat valve130, such as rotation thereof relative to thehousing112, is prevented as thevalve130 moves between the first and second positions. Alternatively, thefloat valve130 may include a valve housing132 (FIG.10) that defines a path or float channel along which thefloat valve130 may move between the first and second positions. In yet another embodiment, thefloat valve130 may be designed such that a specific orientation of thefloat valve130 is not required for proper operation of thefloat valve130. In such embodiments, thefloat valve130 may be generally spherical in shape.

Thereservoir assembly110 additionally includes a fluid flow path connecting thevacuum mechanism54 to the inlet pipe116 (best shown inFIG.9). The fluid flow path may be defined in any suitable manner, such as via one or more channels orconduits134 for example. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the at least oneconduit134 defines a circuitous, or non-linear fluid flow path, and aninlet136 of the at least oneconduit134 is offset from thelower surface124 of thehousing112, such as generally adjacent the upper surface126 of thehousing112 for example, in alignment with thefloat valve130.

If theprocessing chamber42 of acontainer32 attached to thebase22 is filled beyond a predetermined threshold, a portion of the contents of theprocessing chamber42 may be drawn into thevacuum passage72 during a vacuum operation. Because of the small size of thesecondary opening92 associated with thevacuum sealing assembly80, the food drawn into thevacuum passage72 is typically a liquid, or a slurry including processed food particles. To prevent this food from entering into thevacuum mechanism54, thereservoir assembly110 is arranged between thevacuum passage72 of thecontainer32 and thevacuum mechanism54.

An example of the path of the air drawn from theprocessing chamber42 into thevacuum mechanism54 is illustrated inFIG.9. As shown, the air is provided to thefirst end118 of theinlet pipe116, which is coupled to theend74 of thevacuum passage72. The air flows through theinlet pipe116 into thehollow interior114 of thehousing112. When thefloat valve130 is in the first position, or alternatively, in any position except the second position, the air is configured to flow around thefloat valve130 and into aninlet136 of the one ormore conduits134 defining the fluid flow path from thehollow interior114 of thehousing112 to thevacuum mechanism54.

During vacuum operations where liquid or food particles are entrained within the air flow provided to thereservoir assembly110, the particulate (i.e. liquid and food particles) will accumulate within thehollow interior114 or reservoir, adjacent thelower surface124 of thehousing112. Thereservoir assembly110 is configured to collect food contents while still allowing air necessary to operate thevacuum mechanism54 to flow there through. The weight of the particulate prevents the particulate from moving with the air flow into theinlet136 of the fluid flow path arranged near the upper surface126 of thehollow interior114. Accordingly, over time, the particulate disposed within thehollow interior114 will accumulate.

During operation of thevacuum system52, in a dry state, such as when the reservoir is absent any liquid, the weight of thefloat valve130 will maintain the float valve in a first position, generally near thebottom124 of thereservoir114. During operation of the vacuum system in a wet state, such as when liquid is introduced into the reservoir, thefloat valve130 will move within thehousing112 between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the position of thefloat valve130 is directly dependent on the volume of particulate within thehollow interior114. For example, in an embodiment, the liquid introduced into thereservoir114 forms a meniscus with the internal walls of thehousing112, creating a pressure adjacent thefloat valve130, such as within the float channel for example. The meniscus and pressure may cause thefloat valve130 to move from the first position to the second position, to seal theinlet136. Alternatively or in addition, as liquid enters thereservoir114, the inlet area at theinlet136 is reduced. This reduction in inlet area causes an increase in air velocity that may be sufficient to move thefloat valve130 within thehousing112.

When the liquid and/or food particulate accumulated within thehollow interior114 reaches a maximum allowable volume, thefloat valve130 is located at the second position to block the inlet of the fluid flow path to thevacuum mechanism54. In an embodiment, when thefloat valve130 is in the second position, amating surface138 of thefloat valve130 sealingly engages with a corresponding portion of the one ormore conduits134, such as a gasket orseal140, thereby blocking theinlet136 to the fluid flow path defined by theconduits134. As a result, no air will be able to flow to thevacuum mechanism54.

When an airflow to thevacuum mechanism54 falls below a minimum threshold, such as when thefloat valve130 is in the second position, thevacuum mechanism54 may be configured to automatically shut off to avoid burnout. In an embodiment, thevacuum system52 includes a sensor S separate from thevacuum mechanism54 for detecting when thefloat valve130 is in the second position, and/or when no air is provided to thevacuum mechanism54 during operation of thevacuum mechanism54. Upon determining that either condition is present, the controller C, operably coupled to the sensor and thevacuum mechanism54 may de-energize thevacuum mechanism54, such as by opening a switch formed in a power circuit thereof.

With reference now toFIGS.13-15, another embodiment of areservoir assembly210 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, thereservoir assembly210 includes ahousing212 having a generally hollow interior214 (best shown inFIGS.14 and15). An inlet pipe orconduit216, extending through an upper surface of thehousing212, provides a fluid inlet into thehollow interior214 of thehousing212. Thehollow interior214 of thehousing212 defines a reservoir in which a fluid other than air may collect. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thereservoir assembly210 additionally includes a plurality of terminals orcontactors240 that extend into the reservoir. Theterminals240 are separated from one another by a distance. Although theterminals240 are illustrated as being mounted adjacent abottom surface224 of thehousing212, embodiments where theterminals240 are located at another surface of thehousing212, such as one or more sides of thehousing212 for example, are also within the scope of the disclosure.

During operation of thevacuum system52, in a dry state, the terminals extending into the reservoir are not electrically coupled or connected. During operation of the vacuum system in a wet state, however, liquid and/or particulate is gradually introduced into thereservoir214. Once the liquid within thereservoir214 reaches or exceeds a maximum allowable volume or threshold, the liquid will electrically connect two or more of the plurality ofterminals240. In an embodiment, the liquid exceeds the maximum allowable threshold once the two ormore terminals240 are submerged within the liquid. In response to the completion of the electrical circuit between theterminals240, the controller C, operably coupled to theterminals240 and thevacuum mechanism54 may de-energize thevacuum mechanism54, such as by opening a switch formed in a power circuit thereof.

With reference now toFIGS.16-19, theinlet pipe116 exposed at theupper surface120 of thehousing112 may be movable relative to thehousing112 to facilitate the installation of anattachment30 and the formation of a connection or seal between theinlet pipe116 and a respective portion of anattachment30 when theattachment30 is mounted to thebase22. Such movement allows theattachment30 to be installed via both vertical and horizontal movement of theattachment30 relative to thebase22. Theinlet pipe116 may be movable via any suitable mechanism and in any suitable direction via operation of amovement mechanism150. In an embodiment, theinlet pipe116 is translatable along an axis. As best shown inFIG.16, amovement mechanism150 is arranged within acompartment152 formed in thehousing112 and includes abody154 having achannel156 in fluid communication with thehollow interior114. Theinlet pipe116 is arranged adjacent an upper surface of thebody154 in alignment with thechannel156. Thebody154 additionally includes aprotrusion158 that extends generally parallel to theinlet pipe116. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, theprotrusion158 includes at least oneangled surface160. Abiasing mechanism162, such as a coil spring for example, is positioned within thecompartment152 and is operably coupled to thebody154.

As a force is applied to the at least oneangled surface160 of theprotrusion158, such as by lateral movement of anattachment30, the force will oppose the biasing force of thebiasing mechanism162 causing thebody154, and therefore theinlet pipe116 to retract into thecompartment152 of thehousing112. In this retracted position, theinlet pipe116 may be located vertically beneath theupper surface120 of thehousing112. Once theattachment30 is properly positioned relative to thebase22 and thereservoir assembly110, the force is removed from thebody154. The biasing force of thebiasing mechanism162 will translate thebody154 upward and theinlet pipe116 into sealing engagement with theend74 of thevacuum passage72 formed in thecontainer32. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated inFIG.17, anend164 of thebody154 is connected to thehousing112, and thebody154 of themovement mechanism150 is configured to rotate about a pivot axis P in response to application of a force to theprotrusion158.

In another embodiment, themovement mechanism150 includes abody154 connected to a portion of theinlet pipe116 and alever166 operably coupled to thebody154. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment ofFIG.18, thebody154 includes a first plurality ofteeth168 and thelever166 includes a second plurality ofteeth170 arranged in meshing engagement with the first plurality ofteeth168. Abiasing mechanism172, such as a coil spring for example, is configured to bias thelever166 into a default position. In the default position, theinlet pipe116 may be disposed beneath theupper surface120 of thehousing112. As thelever166 is rotated about its pivot axis P, away from theinlet pipe116, such as in response to a force applied by acontainer32 for example, the engagement between the first and second plurality ofteeth168,170 causes thebody154, and therefore theinlet pipe116 to move upwards. Upon removal of the force, thebiasing mechanism172 will bias theinlet pipe116 back to the lowered position. In the embodiment ofFIG.19, theinlet pipe116 is configured to pivot in response to operation of alever166 operably coupled thereto into engagement with afirst end74 of avacuum passage conduit72 of acontainer32. Themovement mechanisms150 illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only, and any suitable mechanism for moving theinlet pipe116 to selectively form a seal with anattachment30 is contemplated herein. Additionally, any of themovement mechanisms150 may be used with any configuration of areservoir assembly110,210 illustrated and described herein.

A user can separate the reservoir assembly from thebase22 of thefood processing system20, to empty the contents of thehollow interior114 and/or clean thereservoir assembly110. Inclusion of thereservoir assembly110 within thevacuum system52, protects thevacuum mechanism54 from both inadequate air supply and contamination from food.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. A reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism, the reservoir assembly comprising:

a housing having a hollow interior, the housing including walls defining a fluid path through said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, wherein the fluid path extends upwardly from a lower surface of the hollow interior to an upper surface of the hollow interior, such that particulate in the fluid path accumulates on the lower surface while air flows to the upper surface;

an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior;

and

a valve positioned within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of air provided to the vacuum mechanism via said fluid flow path, wherein a position of the valve is directly dependent on a volume of the particulate on the lower surface.

2. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said valve is movable between a first position and a second position in response to a volume of contents of said hollow interior.

3. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said valve is a float valve, said float valve being buoyant relative to said volume of contents of said hollow interior.

4. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 2, wherein when said valve is in said second position, an inlet to said fluid flow path is sealed.

5. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 4, wherein said an inlet is offset from a bottom surface of said housing.

6. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 4, wherein said valve includes a mating surface and said inlet of said conduit includes a sealing ring, said mating surface and said sealing ring being engaged to seal said conduit when said valve is in said second position.

7. A reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism, the reservoir assembly comprising:

a housing having a hollow interior, the housing including walls defining a fluid path through said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, wherein the fluid path extends upwardly from a lower surface of the hollow interior to an upper surface of the hollow interior, such that particulate in the fluid path accumulates on the lower surface while air flows to the upper surface;

an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior;

and

a plurality of electrical contactors positioned within said hollow interior, said plurality of electrical contactors detecting when a volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds an allowable threshold.

8. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 7, wherein when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior is less than said allowable threshold, said plurality of electrical contactors are not electrically connected.

9. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 7, wherein when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said liquid electrically connects said plurality of electrical contactors.

10. The reservoir assembly ofclaim 7, wherein when said volume of liquid within said hollow interior exceeds said allowable threshold, said vacuum mechanism is inactive.

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